The aroma of patolleosseems to be spreading in Goa. The village of Carmona
in Salcete taluka held a traditional festival in an eco-friendly way with lots
of fun, old games and cultural events.Against the backdrop of the Pattoleanchem
Festthat is held in North Goa, the Carmona Ekvottacho Dis, organised by the
Parish Pastoral Council, brings together the whole village, cutting across
religious and any other barriers.
The enthusiasm for the event builds up
much before the event itself, with all the residents gearing up with the
preparations for the festival that witnesses the revival of old traditional
games of yore, which have almost faded into history; there’s also the tug of
war that gets everyone to cheer them on and always leaves everyone in good
humour
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This year was no different and the
festival launched by the Parish Priestof Our Lady of Socorro Church, Fr Saude
Pereira, was held in true Goan spirit.The day also marked the celebration of
India’s Independence Day and the feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin
Mary.
“Carmona witnessed a huge crowd for our
annual Ekvottacho Dis (Day of Togetherness) celebrated on the August 15, 2018,
which was the 72nd Independence Day. This celebration is only growing every
year and uniting the villagers with the message of love, caring for one and
another and creating a feeling of positivity, educating the villagers of all
ages that we Carmonkars are a family. This day is always awaited by all of us
as we also get a chance to meet all our villagers at the same time as we
interact with the various stalls, “ said Carmona resident Venzy Viegas.
While there is a theme every year, this year’s theme was
‘Flowers’ and the idea was that the flowers refer to joy, togetherness and
happiness. The whole village was divided into groups using seven colours
(yellow, blue, green, white, red, purple and orange). With flowers that
correspond with the allotted colour of their group such as sunflower, rose,
marigold, lily, etc, the revellers decorated their stalls in accordance.They
had to dress accordingly for a march to indicate the importance of flowers, a
symbol of joy, happiness.
The main event began at 2 pm with the traditional march of the
seven colours (groups) followed by fellowship. People visit the stalls put up
by the seven coloured groups that are built of traditional eco-friendly
materials mostly consisting of palm tree leaves and serving traditional sweets
and food items and they even serve black tea served in half coconut shells to
all those who visit their stalls. There were various traditional games, dances
and songs are held, where each group competedin good spirit, making it an event
to remember.
The
event drew in people from all parts of Goa.
